the energiewende blog

Most of the talk about high energy prices in Germany focuses only on retail electricity rates. But firms pay different power prices, and their expenses on energy may focus more on fossil fuels for heat than electricity. Furthermore, German labor is expensive and may often be a bigger budget item than energy. Craig Morris summarizes the findings of two recent studies.

Germany exported as many goods in 2014 as never before. (Copyright: AUDI AG )

After an unexpected and long battle about its energy transition law, the French Parliament finally adopted the bill on the transition énergétiqueon 22nd July, just months away from the decisive global climate conference COP21 in Paris. With this final decision in the third reading, the Assemblée Nationale (AN) brought the law proposal back to its origins from 2014 and eliminated some major roadblocks introduced by the conservative Senate. Kathrin Glastra summarizes the law’s goals and the next steps.

France’s ambitious energy transition could get starting soon, but some hurdles remain. (Photo by tableatny, CC BY 2.0)

On July 25, Germany surpassed the old record of 74 percent renewable electricity. But perhaps the most interesting aspect is power trading between France and Germany on that day. Craig Morris explains.

The Carbon Tracker Initiative and Energy Transition Advisors recently published recommendations for fossil fuel companies to manage a future in which their assets will be stranded. Craig Morris investigates.

South Africa has the only nuclear power station on the continent. Now, the second biggest economy in Africa, and the most carbon polluting, plans to add another six or eight to the fold. But the cost could run into the trillions – larger, even, than the annual national budget, explains SA-based science writer Leonie Joubert.

Can the Energy Union offer a chance for 100% Renewable Energy (RE) in Europe? The ‘Energy Union with a forward looking climate policy’ has the goal to supply EU consumers with secure, sustainable, competitive and affordable energy. However, it is uncertain what the Energy Union means in practice and there still remains a huge gap between official claims and reality. Angelika Haaser deliberates on how the Energy Union should be designed in order to promote 100% renewable energy and energy efficiency.

If done right, the Energy Union could be an opportunity for renewables.

The WWF and German renewable power provider Lichtblick have joined forces to produce an overview of five ways in which the entire world is transitioning to renewables. Craig Morris reviews the five megatrends, which were published only in German.

Smart energy infrastructure and an entrepreneurial spirit will play an important role in driving energy transitions around the world. Cem Özdemir, Co-Chairman of the German Green Party, traveled to San Francisco to witness how innovative solutions are driving low-carbon development in the Bay Area. Here he explains how California could serve as a model for German start-ups.

California has taken the lead on innovative energy solutions – and Germany can learn a lot from its experience. (Photo by Linh Nguyen, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Transportation in Germany accounts for around 20 percent of total carbon dioxide emissions. With 95% of fuel used in the transportation sector derived from fossil fuels, there is much room for improvement. According to Giovanni Dubon, the solution to this is electrifying the transportation sector.

Germany needs more integrated policies for the electrification of its transportation system. (Photo by avda-foto, CC BY-SA 2.0)

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Smart Energy

When IT is combined with energy consumption devices and power generators of all sizes, we speak of "smart grids" and "smart meters." Electricity has to be generated in the exact amount of simultaneous consumption; otherwise storage is needed. Data can be used to adjust consumption and production levels - such steps are also possible in households. For instance, refrigerators and air conditioners could switch off temporarily to "shave off" peak demand. When power consumption drops to a lower level, these units could then stay on a bit longer.